Method and apparatus for monitoring an ozone generator in a household water purifier

ABSTRACT

A water treatment apparatus is operated by providing water to be treated in a reactor; passing air through a gas flow path which includes an ozone generator wherein the passage of the air through the ozone generator produces ozone enriched air, and subsequently introducing the ozone enriched air into the reactor from the gas flow passage; providing an electric current source for powering the ozone generator; providing an member to emit a signal (preferably a visible signal) representative of the level of current drawn by the ozone generator; and, using a sensor to monitor the signal produced by the member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates of an apparatus for the production ofwater fit for human consumption from water contaminated bymicro-organisms, chemicals, heavy metals and minerals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The production of water fit for human consumption from watercontaminated by micro-organisms, chemicals, heavy metals and minerals isa requirement throughout the world. Many different proposals have beenmade for the purification of contaminated water.

[0003] The most popular system in widespread domestic (household) usefor the purification of contaminated water is a pitcher whereincontaminated water is passed through a filter made of a combination of aporous media filter, activated carbon, and an ion exchange resin andinto a clean water reservoir within the pitcher. This type of systemwill reduce the levels of chlorine, lead, and pesticides. However, thereare several disadvantages associated with this device. The firstdisadvantage of this water purification system is that the structure ofthe filter provides a breeding ground for micro-organisms therebymultiplying the dangers of micro-organisms which may be present in verylow numbers. Another disadvantage of such a water purification system isthat the filter life is not measured and it is possible for the user toemploy the filter beyond its useful life. A further disadvantage of sucha water purification system is that oils and fuels often present inwater drawn from lakes and rivers are not readily removed and that theseoils and fuels tend to coat the filters and damage their operationallife and effectiveness. Other filters incorporate an iodine product tominimize the risk of microbiological hazards, however, these materialsoften impart undesirable tastes and many are potential carcinogens.

[0004] Another popular system in use for the purification ofcontaminated water is a system which employs an ultraviolet light fordisinfection in series with a porous media and carbon filter. This typeof system will reduce the levels of chlorine, lead, and pesticides andhas some disinfection capability. However, there are severaldisadvantages associated with this device. A disadvantage of this waterpurification system is that the ultraviolet light's disinfectionefficacy is greatly diminished by turbidity or color in the water whichcan cause the filter to become contaminated by micro-organisms which canreadily live and breed therein thereby multiplying the danger from anymicro-organisms which may be present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides several novel features for a watertreatment apparatus and components which may be used therein including anovel control system for a water treatment apparatus, a novelconstruction for an ozone generator, a novel filter assembly for a watertreatment apparatus, a novel method for monitoring the concentration ofozone produced by a corona discharge ozone generator, a novel method formonitoring the life of a filter based on the flow rate of gas through aventuri and a novel structure for an ozone generator to prevent waterbacking up into the ozone generator.

[0006] In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided amethod for operating a water treatment apparatus comprising providingwater to be treated in a reactor; passing air through a gas flow pathwhich includes an ozone generator wherein the passage of the air throughthe ozone generator produces ozone enriched air, and subsequentlyintroducing the ozone enriched air into the reactor from the gas flowpassage; providing an electric current source for powering the ozonegenerator; providing an member to emit a signal representative of thelevel of current drawn by the ozone generator; and, using a sensor tomonitor the signal produced by the member.

[0007] In one embodiment the member broadcasts the signal.

[0008] In another embodiment, the member emits an electromagneticsignal.

[0009] In another embodiment, the member is an electrically poweredlight emitting member which is powered by the electric current source toprovide a level of illumination indicative of the level of current drawnby the ozone generator.

[0010] In another embodiment, the method further comprises monitoringthe rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage and monitoring theamount of ozone produced by the ozone generator by monitoring the signalprovided by the member and terminating the operation of the watertreatment apparatus if one or both the rate of flow of air and theamount of ozone produced by the ozone generator vary from preset values.

[0011] In accordance with the instant invention, a method of monitoringthe production of ozone from an ozone generator comprises providing anelectric current source for powering the ozone generator; providing anelectrically powered light emitting member which is powered by theelectric current source to provide a level of illumination indicative ofthe level of current drawn by the ozone generator; and, using a sensorto monitor the amount of illumination produced by the light emittingmember.

[0012] In accordance with the instant invention, an apparatus formonitoring the production of ozone from an ozone generator comprising acircuit including an electric current source, an electrically poweredradiation emitting member and a radiation sensor positioned proximatethe radiation emitting member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the radiation emitting member is a lightemitting member and the radiation sensor is a light sensor.

[0014] In another embodiment, the radiation emitting member iscapacitively coupled to the ozone generator.

[0015] In another embodiment, the light emitting member comprises a neonlight bulb.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other advantages will be more fully and completelyunderstood in conjunction with the following description of thepreferred embodiments of the instant invention in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a treatment apparatus according toone aspect of this invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a treatment apparatus accordingto one aspect of this invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a cross-section through an ozone generator according toanother aspect of this invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a cross-section through a water filter assemblyaccording to another aspect of this invention which includes a polishingfilter; and,

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the water filter assembly of FIG.4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] As referred to herein, a domestic liquid treatment apparatus canbe used in a house, cottage, mobile home or the like. The sources ofliquid that may be treated include, but are not limited to: a municipalwater supply which is fed to a house through supply pipes; a wellmaintained by a home owner; or any other source of water to which a homeowner may have access. The liquid treatment apparatus is also welladapted to be used outside of a residence, such as on a camping tripprovided a suitable source of power, e.g. battery, a small generator orsolar power, is available.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a water treatment apparatus 100 for treatingliquid comprising water with a gas comprising ozone is exemplified.Preferably, the liquid consists of water and the gas comprises aircontaining ozone. Accordingly, the apparatus 100 may be used forpurifying and disinfecting water by means of ozone. Water treatmentapparatus 100 may be of any configuration and size which will house awater treatment reactor 9 comprising a reservoir for receiving thedesired volume to be treated. Water treatment reactor 9 may be sized totreat from about 0.5 to about 5, preferably from about 1 to about 3 andmore preferably from about 1 to about 2 liters of water per batch. Watertreatment apparatus 100 may include a handle 101 which is affixed toouter housing 103 for lifting and carrying the unit. Optionally, some ofthe working components of the system, such as the electronics, may behouse in handle 101.

[0024] Water treatment apparatus 100 comprises a water treatment reactor9, a water inlet 7, an ozone source (e.g. ozone generator 20) and afilter 10. A schematic of how the working components may be placedwithin outer housing 103 is shown in FIG. 2; however, it will beappreciated that differing configurations of the working components ispossible using the operating principles exemplified by the embodiment ofFIG. 2.

[0025] In the embodiment of water treatment apparatus 100 which isillustrated in FIG. 2, water inlet 7 is provided with a cover, which isused to prevent undesirable material, e.g. leaves, twigs etc. fromentering the apparatus in the event the unit is used outdoors. The covermay be a resealable cap which may be removably affixed to the system byany suitable method, such as a thread or a bayonet mount. In such anembodiment, when the cap is closed the system is sealed. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, lid 1 does not seal water inlet 7 and isrotatably mounted to top 105 of apparatus 100 such as by a pivot or ahinge 2 is provided. Lid 1 may be provided with lid handle la for use inopening and closing lid 1.

[0026] A sensor may optionally be employed to assess whether the lid 1is in the closed position. The sensor may be an optical sensor or amechanical sensor (e.g. a switch is moved to close an electric circuitwhen lid 1 is closed) or an electrical sensor (e.g. lid 1 may itselfclose an electric circuit when lid 1 is closed). Preferably, the sensoris magnetic. For example, the sensor may comprise a magnet 5 and acorresponding magnetic reed switch 3. Magnet 5 is located in the end ofthe lid 1 such that when lid 1 is in the closed position, magnet 5 isproximate to a magnetic reed switch 3 which is located on, e.g., circuitboard 4.

[0027] In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, a filterassembly having at least two filter elements shown generally at 29 isprovided (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Preferably, filter assembly 29 is providedwithin reactor 9 although, in some embodiments, it will be appreciatedthat filter assembly may be positioned exterior to reactor 9 andconnected in flow communication with reactor 9 by suitable piping as isknown in the art. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, filter assembly29 has optional top perimeter 82 and inner side walls 83 to define arecess which functions as water inlet 7 and hold a quantity of water tobe filtered through pre-filter 8. The filter assembly 29 may becomprised of two or more of the following filter elements: a pre-filter8; a main filter 10; and, a polishing filter 54. The filter assembly 29may comprise a main filter 10 and a polishing filter 54. Preferably, thefilter assembly 29 comprises a pre-filter 8 and a main filter 10, andmore preferably the filter assembly 29 comprises a pre-filter 8, a mainfilter 10 and a polishing filter 54. Preferably, filter assembly 29 withall of its filter elements, is adapted to be removable as a unit fromthe apparatus 100. Filter assembly 29 may be removably mounted inapparatus 100 by any means known in the filter art such as a screwthread or a bayonet mount. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 bayonetmembers 84 are provided on the lower end 85 of outer housing 86 and arereleasably engagable with female bayonet members provided in apparatus29 (not shown).

[0028] The timing of the replacement of filter assembly 29 may be leftto the user, such as once every three months. Preferably, apparatus 100includes a mechanism to advise the consumer when to change the filter(e.g. based upon water flow through the apparatus or on the time theapparatus has been operated or on the number of treatment cyclesperformed by the apparatus). One advantage of this design is that theconsumer must replace all filter elements at the same time therebyensuring that apparatus 100 is properly filtering the water at alltimes. Another advantage is the replacement of multiple filter elementsis simplified. It will be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment,apparatus 100 may include all three filter elements, but that filterassembly 29 may contain only two of the filter elements or so that onlytwo filter elements (e.g. pre-filter 8 and main filter 10) are removableas a unit. It will also be appreciated that filter assembly 29 may beconfigured to contain all three filter elements but that only two areremovable as a unit with the third filter element being separatelyremovable for replacement as may be required. For example, in theconfiguration shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, polishing filter 54could be provided as a separate removable filter element. Filterassembly 29 is preferably provided with treated water passageway mount90 for removably receiving treated water passageway 91. It will beappreciated that treated water passageway 91 may be provided as a partof filter assembly 29.

[0029] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, pre-filter 8 is locatedjust below the water inlet 7 so that water 80 entering apparatus 100will flow directly through pre-filter 8. The pre-filter 8 may becomprised of any material that is well known in the art. Preferably,pre-filter 8 is comprised of granular activated carbon and may becovered by screen 81. The pre-filter 8 removes particulate matter andsome chemicals from water 80 prior to water 80 entering the reactor 9.In this embodiment, pre-filter 8 is also positioned in the flow path ofthe off gas from reactor 9 to the atmosphere. Accordingly, thepre-filter 8 is used to destroy residual ozone. The ozone in the off gasalso serves to disinfect the granular activated carbon. After passingthrough pre-filter 8, the off gas passes through water inlet 7, past lid1 to the atmosphere. It will be appreciated that if lid 1 is sealed,then pressure will build up in reactor 9. In such a case, a separatevent path for the off gas may be provided or a pressure actuated valvemay be associated with water inlet 7, or lid 1 if lid 1 seals waterinlet 7, to allow the pressure in reactor 9 to build up to apredetermined level prior to off gas being vented from apparatus 100.Main filter 10 may be located adjacent to or below the pre-filter 8, andmay be comprised of any material that is well known in the art.Preferably, main treatment filter 10 is comprised of a carbon blockhaving inner space 31, which is surrounded by an annular space 30.Preferably, a polishing filter 54 is located adjacent the main filter 10(beside main filter 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 and above main filter10 in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5). Polishing filter 54 isoptionally provided to filter compounds present in the water after atreatment cycle.

[0030] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, system 100 is constructed to operateas a continuous flow batch process and, to this end, may have one ormore fluid flow loops in fluid communication with reactor 9. Reactor 9could comprise a flow reactor through which the water travels as it isozonated. Alternately, or in addition, reactor 9 could comprise a tankfrom which the water is directed to flow through main filter 10 beforebeing returned to the tank. The water may be ozonated in the tank or asthe water is in transit. Preferably, reactor 9 is a multi-pass reactor.In a multi-pass reactor, the water is caused to pass at least twice,preferably, from 3 to 8 times and more preferably from 4 to 6 timesthrough main filter 10 during a single treatment cycle. An embodiment ofa multi-pass reactor is shown in FIG. 2 wherein there is provided afiltration loop 120 and an ozonation loop 122. A polishing filtrationloop 124 is optionally provided. It will be appreciated that other ofthe developments of the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be used in other than amulti-pass reactor.

[0031] Filtration loop shown generally at 120 withdraws water fromreactor 9 and returns it to main filter 10. More specifically, thefiltration loop comprises the following elements in fluid communication:reactor 9, reactor outlet 104, first partially treated water passageway24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway 25, valve26 (which may be manually adjustable or electrically controlled such asa solenoid valve), main filter inlet passageway 27, and main filterinlet 28. Main filter inlet 28 is in fluid communication with annularspace 30 which surrounds main filter element 10. Inner space 31 isprovided interior of main filter element 10 (see FIG. 4) and is in fluidcommunication with main filter outlet 32.

[0032] Ozonation loop shown generally at 122 withdraws water from mainfilter 10, injects the water with air containing ozone, and returns itto reactor 9. Alternately, if the filtered water enters reactor 9 afterpassing through main filter 10, e.g. it is positioned in reactor 9 orupstream of reactor 9, then ozonation loop 122 may draw water directlyfrom reactor 9. More specifically, the ozonation loop 122 comprises thefollowing elements in fluid communication: inner space 31 of main filter10, main filter outlet 32, filtered water passageway 34, venturi 33,ozonated water passageway 35, reactor inlet 106 and reactor 9. An ozonegenerator 20 is in fluid communication with venturi 33 so that as waterflows through ozonation loop 122, ozone produced in ozone generator 20will be drawn into the water to be treated through venturi 33.Preferably a check valve is provided to prevent the back flow of waterinto ozone generator 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, springloaded check valve 38 is provided at the exit from ozone generator 20and is comprised of the following elements: spring 57, ball seal 58,o-ring seal 59 and check valve support 60. As water flows throughpassages 34 and 35, a negative pressure is created in passageway 37causing ball seal 58 to be drawn away from o-ring 59 thus opening thefluid connection with ozone generator 20 and permitting ozone enrichedair to be drawn into passageway 37 and into the water passing throughventuri 33. Ozone generator 20 may be any type as is well known in theart and may be powered by any means known in the art.

[0033] Polishing filtration loop shown generally at 124 withdraws waterfrom reactor 9, and directs it to a polishing filter 54 prior to thetreated water being dispensed. More specifically, the polishingfiltration loop 124 comprises the following elements in fluidcommunication: reactor 9, reactor outlet 104, first partially treatedwater passageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated waterpassageway 25, valve 26, polishing filter inlet passageway 52, polishingfilter inlet 108, and polishing filter 54. The polishing filter 54 isfluidly connected to a treated water passageway 91, which is in fluidcommunication with a treated water outlet 92.

[0034] Apparatus 100 can receive power from any source of currentincluding, but not limited to: an electrical outlet, a battery, a fuelcell, or any other power device well known in the art. Preferably, poweris supplied by means of a wall plug 47, which is electrically connectedto circuit board 4 via wires 48, 49. A transformer for stepping down thevoltage may be provided as is known in the electrical art.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a simplifiedconstruction of an ozone generator is provided. Ozone generator 20 ispreferably of the corona discharge type and has a discharge gap 73 and adielectric element 62 that is provided between high voltage electrode 71and ground electrode 63. Ozone generator 20 may be powered by any meansknown in the art. Preferably, a high frequency signal applied to wires16, 17 passes into primary coil 21, which induces a magnetic fluxthrough ferrite 22 and transmits the flux to high voltage secondarybobbin 23. This creates a high voltage which is transmitted throughwires 18 and 19, which are attached to ozone generator 20. When a highvoltage is applied between the spiraled wire 71 and the metal groundplane 63, a cold corona discharge is produced which converts at least aportion of the oxygen in the gas flowing through air gap 73 to ozone.

[0036] In accordance with the simplified construction of ozone generator20, ozone generator does not have a longitudinally extending outerhousing. Instead, ozone generator has opposed end caps fixedly held inplace with respect to each other. The end caps have an air inlet and anair outlet and together with air gap 73, define the air flow passagethrough ozone generator 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inletend cap is denoted by reference numeral 39 which has air inlet 74 andcheck valve support 60 is used as the outlet end cap such thatpassageway 37 form the air outlet. It will be appreciated that aseparate outlet end cap may be provided so that ozone generator 20 maybe separately assembled prior to insertion into a device such asapparatus 100. One advantage of this design is that the ozone generatorwill not retain as much heat during operation and, in fact, is easier tocool, such as by providing a cooling air flow over ground electrode 63.As the amount of ozone produced decreases at increased operatingtemperatures, the use of a construction which does not include an outerhousing allows ozone generator 20 to operate at cooler temperatures andavoid a drop off in ozone production which occurs at higher operatingtemperatures. Preferably, the end caps are releasably secured togetherso that ozone generator may be easily disassembled for servicing as maybe required. To this end, the end caps may be held into place by aplurality of securing members which are preferably resilient such aselastomeric members or springs 75 (e.g. 3 equidistantly spaced aroundelectrode 63) which extend, e.g. between the end caps. In the case ofthe embodiment of FIG. 3, springs 75 extend between end cap 39 and checkvalve support 60. The connection between end cap 39 and dielectricelement 62 is sealed to prevent the leakage of ozone, such as by o-ring66. Similarly, the connection between the outlet end cap (check valvesupport 60) and dielectric element 62 is sealed to prevent the leakageof ozone, such as by o-ring 61. As the outlet end cap is part of checkvalve 38 in the preferred embodiment, the seal between the outlet endcap and dielectric element 62 also creates a seal between ozonegenerator 20 and check valve 38.

[0037] The dielectric element 62 may be comprised of any material as iswell known in the art such as ceramic. In one embodiment of theinvention, the dielectric 62 is preferably comprised of plastic. Groundelectrode 63 may be a metal tube provided exterior to dielectric 62.Preferably, dielectric element 62 is coated with a metal to form groundplane 63. The metal ground plane 63 is electrically connected to groundsuch as by spring 67 which secures ground wire 68 to ground plane 63.High voltage electrode 71 may comprise a spiraled wire 71 which iswrapped around plastic support 70.

[0038] When water flows through venturi 33, negative pressure or suctionis created in gas flow passageway 37, which causes spring loaded checkvalve 38 to open. That is, ball seal 58 moves downwards away from theo-ring 59, thus allowing gas to flow freely through gas flow passageway37. Air is drawn in through air inlet 40 of top 105, through passageway43, through air inlet 74 located in the ozone generator end cap 39, andultimately through an air gap 73 located within the dielectric 62. Whena high voltage is applied between the spiraled wire 71 and the metalground plane 63, a cold corona discharge is produced which converts atleast a portion of the oxygen in the gas flowing through air gap 73 toozone.

[0039] Generally, a preferred method of operating the water treatmentapparatus is as follows. Initially, water is provided to reactor 9 suchas by pouring water into water inlet 7, and apparatus 100 is turned on.During the water treatment cycle, water continuously travels through thefiltration loop 120 and the ozonation loop 122 (the multi-passfiltration cycle). When a treatment cycle is completed, apparatus 100may be shut down by turning off both the water pump 15 and the ozonegenerator 20. Preferably, if any of the monitored parameters falloutside of the preset acceptable ranges, the micro-controller 6 willterminate the water treatment cycle, so that the failure may be furtherinvestigated and fixed. If a treatment cycle is completed and themonitored parameters are within the acceptable ranges, then the user mayinitiate a dispense cycle by depressing the dispense button 53 orapparatus 100 may include an auto dispense mode. During the dispensecycle, the water pump 15 is activated, and the treated water preferablyflows through the polishing filtration loop 124 (i.e. through polishingfilter 54) prior to exiting the apparatus via treated water passageway91 and treated water outlet 92.

[0040] The following is a detailed discussion of a preferred mode ofoperation. Initially, a user opens optional lid 1 and pours the waterinto the water inlet 7. The water flows through pre-filter 8 into thereactor 9. The user then depresses start button 11 or the start of awater treatment cycle may be delayed until treated water is desired.When a treatment cycle is initiated, micro-controller 6 energizes waterpump 15 via wires 13 and 14 to draw water from reactor 9 and to causethe water to flow sequentially through filtration loop 120 and thenthrough ozonation loop 122. Preferably, ozone generator 20 is energizedshortly after water pump 15 commences operation. In this way, theprovision of current to ozone generator 20 may be delayed until thewater flow produces an air flow through ozone generator 20. Water pump15 withdraws water from reactor outlet 104, and causes the water to flowthrough first partially treated water passageway 24, water pump 15,second partially treated water passageway 25, solenoid valve 26, mainfilter inlet passageway 27, and into filter assembly 29 via main filterinlet 28. The water enters annular space 30 surrounding main filter 10.The water flows through main filter 10 into inner space 31, travelsdownwards through inner space 31, and exits the filter assembly 29through filter outlet 32. From here, the water is withdrawn from thefilter assembly 29, and flows through the ozonation loop 122.Specifically, the water is withdrawn from filter outlet 32, and flowsthrough filtered water passageway 34 through venturi 33, where itreceives an injection of air containing ozone gas. The water laden withozone rich gas bubbles 36 then travels through an ozonated waterpassageway 35, and returns to reactor 9 via reactor inlet 106. Thus, ineach pass through the system (flow loops 120 and 122), the water isfiltered and ozonated. The treatment cycle preferably includes passing avolume of water equal to the volume of water to be treated in reactor 9several times through the flow loops to achieve the multi-passtreatment. Ozone introduced into the water via venturi 33 is also usedto treat water in reactor 9 since ozone rich bubbles 36 rise through thereactor 9, thus disinfecting the water in reactor 9. Upon reachingsurface 44 of the water, the bubbles 36 collect in an off gas collectionarea 96. By using the filter assembly of the instant invention, the offgas passes from collection area 96 through pre-filter 8 to at leastpartially disinfect pre-filter 8 while converting the residual ozone inthe off gas to oxygen.

[0041] The treatment cycle may be controlled by a timer. In such anembodiment, after a preset time, between a range, e.g., of about 2 to 20minutes, preferably from 3 to 10 minutes, and more preferably between arange of 4 to 8 minutes, the micro-processor 6 may shut off both thewater pump 15 and ozone generator 20. Optionally, ozone generator 20 maybe de-energized while water pump continues to operate (e.g. for 30seconds to 2 minutes) so as to draw air which does not contain ozoneinto reactor 9 to flush ozone from collection area 96. At the end of atreatment cycle, the water may be automatically dispensed or dispenseswitch 53 may be energized. Preferably, the user is signaled that thewater is safe to dispense and use at the end of a successful treatmentcycle. The user may be signaled when dispense switch 53 is energized.For example, an audible signal may be issued or a visual signal may beprovided. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, dispense switch 53 contains alight. Once dispense switch 53 is energized, it may be manually actuatedto initiate the dispensing of treated water when desired. By configuringthe apparatus so that dispense switch 53 must be energized before if maybe actuated to dispense water, water which has not been properly treatedcan not be accidentally dispensed.

[0042] When the user depresses dispense switch 53, micro-controller 6actuates valve 26 (e.g. sends a signal by wires 50 and 51 to a solenoidvalve) which diverts the flow of water from the main filter inletpassageway 28 to the polishing filter inlet passageway 52. When valve 26is in the dispense position, water is withdrawn from reactor 9 and flowsthrough polishing filtration loop 124. Specifically, water is withdrawnfrom reactor outlet 106, and flows through first partially treated waterpassageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway25, valve 26, polishing filter inlet passageway 52, and filter assembly29 via polishing filter inlet 108. The water then travels from thepolishing filter inlet 108, through the polishing filter 54, andultimately exits apparatus 100 through treated water passageway 91 andtreated water outlet 92. The dispense cycle is preferably terminated bymonitoring the current drawn by water pump 15 and de-energizing pump 15when the current drawn by water pump 15 changes to a lower currentassociated with cavitation of water pump 15.

[0043] Apparatus 100 may optionally include various safeguards and/ormonitors to ensure that the system is running safely and optimally. Onesuch safeguard is an automatic cycle counter to determine when one ormore filters should be replaced. If apparatus 100 includes a filterassembly 29, then, together with a cycle counter, the user may beadvised when to change all of the filters and may in fact change all ofthe filters in a single step. Thus the cycle counter may optionally beemployed to keep track of the number of water treatment cycles, andsignal the user to replace the filter assembly 29 after a preset numberof cycles.

[0044] The cycle counter may be any type which is well known in the art.In one aspect of the invention the treatment cycles may be counted bythe number of times that a cycle is initiated (e.g. by counting thenumber of times that start button 11 is pressed) or by the number oftimes that lid 1 is opened and/or closed. Preferably an automaticcounter which counts the number of times that lid 1 is opened and/orclosed is used. In one embodiment of the invention, the automaticcounter consists of a light beam that is directed across one end of thewater inlet 7. The lid 1 is determined to be in the closed position whenthe beam of light is broken by the presence of lid 1. More preferably,the automatic counter comprises a magnet 5 and a corresponding reedswitch 3. When the user lifts lid 1 by rotating it around hinge 2,magnet 5 moves away from magnetic reed switch 3. When lid 1 is closed,magnet 5 is brought back into proximity of magnetic reed switch 3.Either or both of these movements may produce a signal that is used bymicro-controller 6 to count an additional cycle. Preferably. a cycle iscounted when lid 1 is moved to the closed position (magnet 5 isproximate to reed switch 3).

[0045] Micro-controller 6 preferably signal the user when one or morefilter elements approaches and/or reaches the end of their useable life.The signal could be an audio or visual signal and is preferably filtermonitor light switch 55, which flashes when a first preset number ofcycles is reached to advise a user that the filter is approaching theend of its life. When a second preset number of cycles is reached,indicating the end of the life of the filter, micro-controller 6preferably sends a different signal to the user (e.g. filter monitorlight switch is lit but not flashing) advising the user that the filterhas reached the end of its life and preventing the apparatus fromoperating another treatment cycle until the filter is replaced. Thecycle counter could be automatically reset when filter assembly 29 iswithdrawn from apparatus 100 or it may be manually reset such as bymanually depressing filter monitor light switch 55.

[0046] If the signal is generated when lid 1 is closed, it may also beutilized to initiate a new water treatment cycle. In such an embodiment,if lid 1 is not in the closed position, then a signal may be issued(e.g. process light 12 may flash or change to a different color) toalert a user that an error has occurred and the water treatment cyclewill not proceed until the lid is properly.

[0047] The operation of a treatment cycle may also be delayed until lid1 is closed. For example, after the water is added to the system 100,the user may depresses start button 11. This action sends a signal tomicro-controller 6 to initiate a new water treatment cycle. However,prior to starting the water treatment cycle, the magnetic reed switch 3is used to determine whether the lid 1 is in the closed position. Thelid 1 is determined to be in the closed position when the magnet 5 isproximate to the magnetic reed switch 3 to change the status of reedswitch 3. Micro-controller 6 checks the status of reed switch 3 toensure that lid 1 is. If lid 1 is closed, micro-controller 6 initiatesthe water treatment cycle by turning on the water pump 15 via wires 13and 14, and the ozone generator 20 via wires 16 and 17. If lid 1 is notin the closed position, process light 12 will flash to indicate that anerror has occurred. The water treatment cycle will not proceed until lid1 is properly closed. Additionally, if lid 1 is not closed within apreset time, for example 30 seconds, the system 100 may shut down, andthe start button 11 will need to be depressed again in order to initiatea new water treatment cycle.

[0048] Another such safeguard is to monitor the treatment of the waterin reactor 9. This may be accomplished by use of an ORP sensor tomonitor the degree of treatment of the water or an off gas ozone sensorto monitor the level of ozone in the off gas exiting collection area 96or an ozone sensor 126 located downstream of the ozone generator 20. Arange of acceptable ozone concentrations may be preset in controller 6prior to the initiation of the water treatment cycle. If theconcentration of the ozone as sensed by the ozone sensor 126 is too highor too low, a signal may be sent to the micro-controller 6 to terminatethe water treatment cycle, and actuate a signal to notify the user of asystem failure. The signal could include an audio or visual signal.Preferably, process failure light 102 is illuminated.

[0049] In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, asimplified system is provided for ensuring that the water is treated toa desired level before it is dispensed. A given quality of water willneed a predetermined dosage of ozone to purify the water. Thus, providedapparatus 100 is given a predetermined quality of water, and apparatus100 is programmed to give that quality of water a predetermined dosageof ozone, then apparatus 100 will produce water of the desired purity.It will be appreciated that apparatus 100 may include a switch (e.g.tapping start button 11 to advise micro-controller 6 of the source ofthe water) to advise controller 6 of the quality of water which is fedto reactor 9 (e.g. municipal water, lake or well water, etc.) andcontroller 6 may be pre-programmed with different treatment times foreach such setting. To ensure that apparatus 10 is providing thepredetermined dosage of ozone to the water fed to reactor 9, the flow ofair through apparatus 100 or the amount of ozone produced by ozonegenerator 20 are preferably monitored and compared with preset valuesthat may be programmed into micro-controller 6. Preferably both of thesefactors are monitored. Monitoring the operation of ozone generator 20ensures that ozone generator 20 is producing the expected amount ofozone. Measuring air flow ensures that the ozone generated by ozonegenerator 20 is reaching the water to be treated and enables controller6 to indirectly monitor the concentration of ozone in the air beinginjected into the water by venturi 33. This ensures that the ozonegenerator 20 is continuously producing a concentration of ozonesufficient to completely treat the water. These factors are monitoredand the water treatment cycle is terminated if any of the monitoredparameters fall outside of the acceptable preset ranges. If theparameters are within the acceptable preset ranges, then the watertreatment cycle preferably continues until a sensor detects that thewater has been treated to a desired level or, more preferably, for apreset duration.

[0050] The air flow may be monitored by providing an air flow sensor.Preferably, the air flow sensor is positioned upstream of ozonegenerator 20. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, air flow sensor 42and airflow sensor cover 41 are provided upstream of ozone generator 20and immediately downstream of air inlet 40. At a preset limit,controller 6 may send a fault signal to the user and/or terminate thetreatment cycle. For example, if there is an obstruction in one of thepassageways, or if venturi 33 becomes fouled, then controller 6 willdetect a decrease in air flow (or an increase in back pressure) and mayterminate the treatment cycle as insufficient ozone will be provided tothe water in a preset time limit. If there is a sudden increase in airflow (or a sudden drop in pressure), this could indicate that one of thepassageways has become disconnected and again the treatment cycle may beterminated as insufficient ozone will be provided to the water in apreset time limit.

[0051] The gas flow sensor employed may be any that is well know in theart. Preferably, the gas flow sensor is a thermister 42. As explainedabove, when water flows through venturi 33, negative pressure or suctionis created in gas flow passageway 37, which causes spring loaded checkvalve 38 to open (e.g. ball 58 moves downwards away from o-ring seal 59,thus allowing gas to flow freely through gas flow passageway 37).Typically, air is drawn in through a thermister 42, past an airflowsensor cover 41, through an air inlet 74 located in the ozone generatorend cap 39, and ultimately through an air gap 73 located withindielectric tube 62. Controller 6 is preprogrammed with an acceptable airflow range is preset prior to the initiation of the water treatmentcycle. If the air flow as sensed by the thermister 42 is too high or toolow, a signal may be sent to the micro-controller 6 to terminate thewater treatment cycle and actuate a signal to notify the user of asystem failure. One of the preset value programmed into controller 6preferably corresponds to the rate of air flow when main filter hasreached the end of its life. The signal could include an audio or visualsignal. Preferably, the same or a different process failure light 102 isilluminated.

[0052] Air flow sensor 42 may also be used to monitor filter life. Forexample, one of the preset value programmed into controller 6 preferablycorresponds to the rate of air flow when main filter 10 is approachingthe end of its life and/or when main filter 10 has reached the end ofits life. If controller 6 receives a signal from air flow sensor 42 thatmain filter 10 is approaching the end of its life, this signal may beused to signal a user that filter assembly 29, or at least main filter10, is approaching the end of its life and, thus, may be used to causefilter monitor light 55 to flash. If controller 6 receives a signal fromair flow sensor 42 that main filter 10 has reached the end of its life,this signal may be used to signal a user that filter assembly 29, or atleast main filter 10, has reached the end of its life and, thus, may beused to cause filter monitor light 55 to stay on full time.

[0053] The amount of ozone produced by ozone generator 20 may bemonitored by monitoring the concentration of ozone in the air exitingozone generator 20 and preferably, by monitoring the current drawn byozone generator 20.

[0054] A current sensor may be electrically connected to ozone generator20 to monitor whether sufficient power is being drawn by ozone generator20 to produce a predetermined amount of ozone. The current sensor 114may be any type as is well known in the art. For example, an acceptablecurrent range for the primary coil 21 may be preset prior to theinitiation of a water treatment cycle. This current range is based onthe ozone generator 20 drawing a current that is indicative of the ozonegenerator 20 producing a predetermined amount of ozone per unit time. Ifthe current sensor 114 senses that the current to the primary coil 21 iseither too high or too low, a signal is preferably sent to themicro-controller 6 to terminate the water treatment cycle and actuate asignal to notify the user of a system failure. The signal could includean audio or a visual signal. Preferably, the same or a different processfailure light 102 is illuminated.

[0055] In accordance with the instant invention, a simplified method ofmonitoring the current drawn by ozone generator 20 is provided.According to this construction, current sensor 114 comprises a lightemitting member 46 powered by the same current source as the ozonegenerator 20 and a light sensor 98 located proximate to light emittingmember 46 to monitor the amount of illumination produced by lightemitting member 46. The level of illumination provided by light emittingmember 46 can be correlated to the level of current being drawn by theozone generator 20 and, as such, the signal received by light sensor 98is an indirect measure of the level of current drawn by the ozonegenerator 20. This information can be related to the concentration ofozone being produced by the ozone generator 20. Preferably, the lightemitting member 46 is a light bulb, and more preferably a neon lightbulb. Specifically, the neon light bulb 46 is preferably capacitivelycoupled to the high voltage secondary bobbin 23. An acceptable range forthe light sensor 98 is preferably preset prior to the initiation of awater treatment cycle. If the illumination of the neon bulb 46 as sensedby the light sensor 98 is too high or too low, a signal may be sent tothe micro-controller 6 to terminate the water treatment cycle andactuate a signal to notify the user of a system failure. The signalcould include an audio or a visual signal. Preferably, the same or adifferent process failure light 102 is illuminated. For example, thedielectric 62 may crack, or otherwise break down. Additionally, it ispossible for the ozone generator 20 to become disconnected from the highvoltage source. Moreover, it is possible for the high voltagetransformer to fail altogether. If any of these events occur, currentsensor 114 will detect a change in current supplied to the ozonegenerator 20, the brightness of the neon light bulb 46 connected to theozone generator 20 will vary accordingly. It will be appreciated thatother electromagnetic wavelengths, other than visible light, may beutilized.

[0056] These parameters can be monitored either on an intermittentbasis, or more preferably, on a continual basis. Moreover, theseparameters can be monitored for only a part of the water treatmentcycle, or more preferably, for the entire duration of the watertreatment cycle.

[0057] The gas flow sensor may be beneficially employed to terminate thewater treatment cycle when the filter assembly 29 is removed from thesystem 100. When the filter assembly 29 is removed from the system, theflow of water through both the filtration loop 120 and the ozonationloop 122 will be interrupted. In normal operation, the flow of waterthrough venturi 33 causes air to be drawn in past the air flow sensor42. Accordingly, if the filter assembly 29 is removed from the system100, water will no longer flow through the ozonation loop, and air willno longer be drawn into the ozone generator 20. Thus, the gas flowsensor 42 will register this change in gas flow rate, and send a signalto the micro-controller 6 to actuate a signal to terminate the watertreatment cycle, and notify the user of a system failure. Thus one ofthe preset values programmed into micro-controller 6 may optionally be avalue corresponding to the flow rate of air through ozone generator 20when filter assembly 29 is removed from apparatus 29. It will beappreciated that micro-controller is preferably programmed to terminatea treatment cycle when the flow rate through ozone generator 20decreases by a lesser amount which is indicative of a small leak in theair/ozone fluid flow passage. The signal could be audio or visual and ispreferably the same or a different process failure light 102.

[0058] The filter life may be monitored other than by counting cyclessuch as by the time required for the volume of water in reactor 9 topass through a filter element. For example, a timer may optionally beemployed to monitor the time required for the water to pass through thepolishing filter 54. By monitoring this parameter, it is possible toindirectly monitor the amount of blockage of the polishing filter 54 andthis could be correlated to the amount of filter life remaining for mainfilter 10 and or pre-filter 8. The timer employed may be any that iswell know in the art. A dispense cycle is initiated by depressing thedispense switch 53. When the filter assembly 29 is in good workingorder, the duration of the dispense cycle, represented by the time topass the entire batch of water through the polishing filter 54, isknown. Two different flow times, which are both longer than the normalduration of the dispense cycle, may be preset in controller 6. When theduration of the dispense cycle corresponds to the first preset time,micro-controller 6 sends a signal to warn the user that the filterassembly 29 must be changed soon. Preferably, the signal is filtermonitor light switch 55, which flashes when the first preset time isreached. Subsequent dispense cycles are monitored, and when the durationof the dispense cycle corresponds to a second preset time,micro-controller 6 sends a signal to warn the user that the filterassembly 29 must be replaced in order to initiate a new water treatmentcycle. Preferably, this second signal is filter monitor light switch 55,which is fully lit when the second preset time is reached. At thispoint, the system 100 will not initiate a new cycle until the filterassembly 29 is replaced.

[0059] The filter life may also be monitored by a water flow sensor tomonitor the flow rate of water passing through the polishing filter 54and/or, a pressure sensor may optionally be employed to monitor thepressure of the water passing through the polishing filter 54(designated by reference numeral 118 in FIG. 2). By monitoring either orboth parameter, it is possible to monitor the amount of blockage of thepolishing filter 54 and this can be correlated to the amount of filterlife of main filter 10 and/or preo-filter 8. The sensor employed may beany type as is well known in the art. A dispense cycle is initiated bydepressing the dispense switch 53. When the filter assembly 29 is ingood working order, the flow rate and back pressure caused by the waterpassing through the polishing filter 54 is known. Two different waterflow rates/back pressures, which are both less than the normal waterflow rates (or higher than the normal back pressure), may be preset intocontroller 6. When the flow rate of the water through the polishingfilter 54 corresponds to the first preset flow rate (or the pressurecorresponds to the first back pressure), micro-controller 6 sends asignal to warn the user that the filter assembly 29 must be changedsoon. Preferably, the signal is a filter monitor light switch 55, whichflashes when the first preset flow rate is reached. Subsequent dispensecycles are monitored, and when the flow rate of the water through thepolishing filter 54 corresponds to a second preset flow rate (or thepressure corresponds to the second back pressure), micro-controller 6sends a signal to warn the user that the filter assembly 29 must bereplaced in order to initiate a new water treatment cycle. Preferably,the signal is the filter monitor light switch 55, which is fully litwhen the second preset flow rate is reached. At this point, the system100 will not initiate a new cycle until the filter assembly 29 isreplaced. It will be appreciated that the apparatus need not have apolishing filter and that any of these methods may be used to monitorthe filter life of the filter through which the water passes as it isdispensed (the exit filter).

I claim
 1. A method for operating a water treatment apparatuscomprising: (a) providing water to be treated in a reactor; (b) passingair through a gas flow path which includes an ozone generator whereinthe passage of the air through the ozone generator produces ozoneenriched air, and subsequently introducing the ozone enriched air intothe reactor from the gas flow passage; (c) providing an electric currentsource for powering the ozone generator; (d) providing an member to emita signal representative of the level of current drawn by the ozonegenerator; and, (e) using a sensor to monitor the signal produced by themember.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memberbroadcasts a signal.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein themember emits an electromagnetic signal.
 4. The method as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the member is an electrically powered light emittingmember which is powered by the electric current source to provide alevel of illumination indicative of the level of current drawn by theozone generator.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprisingmonitoring the rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage andmonitoring the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator bymonitoring the signal provided by the member and terminating theoperation of the water treatment apparatus if one or both the rate offlow of air and the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator varyfrom preset values.
 6. A method of monitoring the production of ozonefrom an ozone generator comprising: (a) providing an electric currentsource for powering the ozone generator; (b) providing an member to emita signal representative of the level of current drawn by the ozonegenerator; and, (c) using a sensor to monitor the signal produced by themember.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the memberbroadcasts a signal.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein themember emits an electromagnetic signal.
 9. The method as claimed inclaim 6 wherein the member is an electrically powered light emittingmember which is powered by the electric current source to provide alevel of illumination indicative of the level of current drawn by theozone generator.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprisingmonitoring the rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage andmonitoring the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator bymonitoring the signal provided by the member and terminating theoperation of the water treatment apparatus if one or both the rate offlow of air and the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator varyfrom preset values.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein themember to emit a signal representative of the level of current drawn bythe ozone generator is a electrically powered light emitting memberwhich is powered by the electric current source to provide a level ofillumination indicative of the level of current drawn by the ozonegenerator and the sensor monitors the amount of illumination produced bythe light emitting member.
 12. An apparatus for monitoring theproduction of ozone from an ozone generator comprising a circuitincluding an electric current source, an electrically powered radiationemitting member and a radiation sensor positioned proximate theradiation emitting member.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11wherein the radiation emitting member is a light emitting member and theradiation sensor is a light sensor.
 14. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 11 wherein the radiation emitting member is capacitively coupledto the ozone generator.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 whereinthe light emitting member is capacitively coupled to the ozonegenerator.
 16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the lightemitting member comprises a neon light bulb.